OCD Action : Taking the First Steps - The national UK charity providing support and information to anybody affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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Taking the First Steps

Joel, March 29, 2012

Support for out Helpline and Website

OCD Action’s Helpline and website play a vital part in helping people with OCD take the first steps in seeking treatment. The Charity is delighted to report that it has now received funding from The Henry Smith Charity to ensure that these service can continue to give high quality support and information and have the capacity to respond to the increasing number of calls for help that it receives.

Often people come to the website in a state of confusion and fear. They may know that something is wrong, but not know what action they can take. OCD Action’s online forum is one of the most widely used parts of the Charity’s website. It is often here that people feel comfortable stating for the first time that they have a problem and here that they can get initial support and access the Charity’s range of information sheets.

The Charity’s team of forum moderators work to ensure that the forum is a safe and supportive environment; they respond to first time users and let them know that help is out there. One of the key roles of the Charity’s forum moderators is to encourage individuals to seek further help by contacting the Charity’s Helpline.

The main role of the Helpline for first time callers is to remove their fear of OCD. Helpline volunteers explain how OCD works and the treatment options that are available. They debunk some of the myths about getting help and empower the caller so they feel more confident and able to take action. OCD Action’s Helpline is staffed by 14 trained volunteers operating over 15 shifts during office hours. The Charity recently extended its hours of operation and now offers call backs to distressed callers three evenings per week.

Thanks to the help of The Henry Smith Charity, these vital service can continue to change lives.

One response to “Taking the First Steps”

wannabefree says:

April 15, 2012 at 11:21 am

This is fantastic work, and really good that people care enough to help, so it is grateful thanks to the Henry Smith charity from me too. Without this website I wouldn’t be alive today, and OCD action has been an absolute lifesaver for me. It is vital that the work carries on, absolutely vital…
Wannabe